Colorado Today

Jan. 2, 2026: New laws for New Year's, Sen. Nighthorse Campbell remembered, snowpack update, local music recs


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From up-front pricing for online purchases to more paid leave for parents of preemies, a lot of interesting state laws took effect on New Year's Day. Then, former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who died this week at age 92, had a remarkable life, one that included truck driving, Olympic judo, master jewelry design, and a stint driving the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. 

Plus, the 'Snowstradamous' of OpenSnow, meteorologist Joel Gratz, pulls back the veil on what might lie in store for Colorado's anemic snowpack. And finally, OpenAir Local Music Director Alisha Sweeney looks back at some significant Colorado music moments of 2025, and shares some acts to watch in 2026.

Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.

Read more on the stories in today’s show:

  • CPR’s Bente Birkeland reports on new state laws taking effect in the new year.
  • CPR's Megan Verlee, Tony Gorman and Caitlyn Kim on the life of former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
  • CPR's Molly Cruse with an update on the state's lousy snowpack.
  • Indie 102.3 hosts share their favorite tracks from 2025
  • This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel and Bazi Kanani. It’s edited and produced by Stephanie Wolf, Corey Jones, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.



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